Congratulations to the finalists of the Sir Julius Vogel Awards for 2026, recognizing works from 2025. These will now be judged by the members of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Association of NZ and the winners announced at their national convention.

A special congratulations to NZSA members on the list, including Lee Murray for Services to Science Fiction, Fantasy or Horror.

Full List

Best Novel:

• Blade of the Wanderer, Steven Raaymakers, Self published
• Identical, Vanessa Di Gianni, Self released
• How to Find a Nameless Fae, A.J. Lancaster, Camberion Press
• The Deadly Life of Diana Penn, Shawn Inmom and Kirsten McKenzie, Squabbling Sparrows Press
• Dancing in the Purple Rain, Judy L. Mohr, Black Wolf Publications

Best Youth Novel:

• Lone Fighter Blue, A.J. Woolf, Oblivion Press
• Jupiter Drake – Talisman, Marc Meaney, Spin Shift
• Wyld Witch Weather, Janna Ruth, Self published
• Thunder Snow, Melissa Gunn, Rose Kowhai Productions
• Truth Needs No Colour, Heather McQuillan, Cloud Ink Press

Best Short Story:

• Truth & Reconciliation, Michael Botur, Gingernuts of Horror
• The Five Towers, J.M. Goldie, Massive Crush Press
• Miner Difficulties, Brandon Keaton, Michael Terrence Publishing
• The Cold Burns, Anne Wilkins, Clarkesworld
• Have a Nice Death, Brandon Keaton, F(r)iction Magazine
• Zeal for the Lord, S. Jayne Bradley, North Shore Press

Best Novella or Novelette:

• Spellcasting On, Andi R. Christopher, Sleepy Squid Press
• A Date with the Devil, A.J.S. Imms, North Shore Press
• Grimoires and Green Tea, Melissa Gunn, Rose Kowhai Productions
• The Baker’s Son’s Iced Buns, G.B. Ralph, Many Talented Authors

Best Collected Work:

• Imploding Imagination, Armageddon Authors, Kate Haley
• Omens, Aaron Dick, Self published
• The Knight Witch and Other Epic Poems, S. Jayne Bradley, Rookery Publishing
• North Shore Writers Group Antholoy #3 Unexpected Guests, North Shore Writers Group, North Shore Press
• The Emotion Dealer and Other Works, Jack Remiel Cottrell, Canterbury University Press

Best Dramatic Presentation:

• Warren’s Vortex, Kitchen Table Productions (WV) Limited, Kitchen Table Productions (WV) Ltd

Best Artwork:

• Dancing in the Purple Rain, E.L. Julian, Black Wolf Publications
• Grimoires and Green Tea, Melissa Gunn, Rose Kowhai Productions
• Unexpected Guests, ArtisticCustard (Antonia Martin), North Shore Press
• Pride and Prejudice and Mice, Kura Jane Carpenter, Forever Classic Press

Best Production/Publication:

• Dominion, Vol. 1, memoh, Memoh. Comics
  Toroa: Skycall, Atawhai Interactive, Atawhai Interactive

Fan Categories

Best Fan Writing SITREP, Alex Lindsay, Phoenixine

Special Awards

Services to Fandom The Fantasizers Festival Carl Yates & the committee
Services to Science Fiction, Fantasy or Horror Lee Murray
Best New Talent Judy L. Mohr  and Anne Wilkins